The Times-Delphic (2.10.16)

Drake Women’s Basketball improved to 9-2 in conference play and took top seed in the Missouri Valley Conference with wins over Wichita State, the reigning MVC Champ, and the Missouri State Lady Bears, who fell to second in the conference after the loss.

Read more on page 12.

PHOTO BY MOHAMAD SUHAIMI| STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

THE TIMES-DELPHIC The weekly student newspaper of Drake University

Vol. 135 | No. 14 | Wed. Feb. 10, 2016 timesdelphic.com

CAMPUS NEWS

CAMPUS EVENTS

Bill Nye ‘the Science Guy’ next Bucksbaum lecturer Jess Lynk News Editor jessica.lynk@drake.edu @jessmlynk

Tuition increases $1,510

$33,550

$32,100

$30,734

$29,410

$28,250

$26,400

$25,160

$24,430

2008 2007 2009 2006 2008 2007

$35,060

2016 2017

$23,280

Ten years ago, Drake’s undergraduate tuition was $22,270.

Over the past 10 years, the undergraduate tuition has increased a total of $12,790, an average of $1,279 per year.

This year is no different.

For the 2016-17 school year, tuition will be raised to $35,060 for undergraduates, a total of 4.5 percent. Tuition will be raised $1,510, a bit above the average of the past ten years.

President Marty Martin made this announcement on Feb. 2. The overall tuition increase is 4.07 percent, which includes tuition, fees, room and board.

The board of trustees approved this budget increase after Martin’s recommendation, during their recent meeting in January. Student Body President Kevin Maisto was the only student in the room.

“I wish that every student could have be in that room,” Maisto said. “When you listen to the board of trustees have these conversations about tuition increases and costs and expenditures and new programs and things, it just kind of makes sense.”

“It is a really delicate cost analysis of the university and figuring out what we need to be sustainable because we are such a tuition driven institution.”

The annual tuition increase, a conventional practice for private institutions, has left some students angry. But this year, the increase holds different meaning.

Martin re-worked the budget, beginning in August, to identify where the university was spending money that was not necessary.

One way Martin did this was by requiring operating lines of $1,000 or more to be justified by a description of how the dollars would be spent.

“We wanted to identify where

perhaps an operating line had complaints last spring about said. “But we do a wonderful job funds in it that weren’t needed technology, Martin hired at providing an amazing high for that purpose so we could Chris Gill to be the new chief touch high-quality education repurpose those to greater information technology officer. at a tuition price that is quite priorities,” Martin said.

After looking into technology, Gill remarkable frankly compared As a result, he was able to found gaps. to what we see amongst our identify $433,000 of operating “We do have a lot of needs competitors.” savings. in order to deliver a technology Maisto still sees how a tuition “We are trying to be great infrastructure and experience increase is hard for students. stewards of the resources that people reasonable expect,” “It is hard for students to entrusted to us by the students Martin said. “This budget justify, ‘Oh, well, it will be a good and their families,” Martin said. enables us to make a lot of new value for mid-career earnings’; For Martin, these resources investments in technology and that is still mid-career, and come at a price. students will experience that. student loans are right here and “We are a high touch There will be a bit of a lag, it won’t right now,” Maisto said. “But institution that has a great happen tomorrow because these again when you are in the room diversity of programs, facilities, are big projects, but they will see you understand you see and get technology needs and frankly, it it and experience it.” the work that was put into it and is just the case that all of those Martin also said that it is hopefully a little easier to things are expensive,” Martin maintaining a competitive justify to students the reason that said. faculty and staff also justifies an their tuition is going up.”

When looking into why tuition increase. Drake competes on the This justification, to Martin, is going up after the overhaul local market to maintain staff and will be worth it in the end. of the budget, some costs are the national market to maintain “The institution has a lot to be inevitable. faculty, which means paying proud of and the students have a “Some of which are just them fairly. lot of be optimistic about because absolutely unavoidable,” Martin “It is fair compensation for we know the Drake education said. “License and maintenance the talent and the people that we works.” fees for technology they go up. need in order to deliver on our Utilities go up. Benefits expense, mission promise,” Martin said. they go up. Some of that increase Part of that mission promise are absolutely unavoidable.” is to provide the highest quality “Others are a matter of education for the price. choice. But they are choices that “The institution is still an 2015 are driven by making sure that affordable institution of higher 2016 we maintain and indeed were education. That doesn’t mean 2014 possible enhance the quality of that it isn’t expensive,” the Drake education and the M a r t i n 2013 2015 Drake experience,” Martin said.

2012 2014 One of these choices 2011 2013 was to invest money into 2010 2012 technology. After 2009 2011 hearing 2010

$22,270

Jess Lynk News Editor jessica.lynk@drake.edu @jessmlynk

TUITION over 10 years twitter: @timesdelphic | instagram: draketimesdelphic | facebook: Times-Delphic

A video released on Drake University’s official social media on Feb. 8 drew out a bow-tie, a plus-sign and the equation e+ mc2. The video said this all added up to the Spring 2016 Bucksbaum series lecturer.

Shares and comments on the video started the guessing game, leading to science educator Bill Nye. “BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY (we think) IS COMING TO DRAKE AND MY 4TH GRADE SCIENCE SELF IS ECSTATIC,” junior Alyssa Sykuta wrote on Facebook.

Suspicions were confirmed on Feb. 9 when Drake announced that the lecturer was indeed Nye. “An Evening with Bill Nye the Science Guy” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the Knapp Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Nye will also host a book signing that day for his latest book, “Unstoppable: Harnessing Science to Change the World,” released in November 2015.

This led students to confirm their excitement on social media.

“This has been the most incredible year so far at Drake, but BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY makes it so much better,” first-year Mia Blondin wrote on Facebook.

Nye will present the 36th lecture in the Bucksbaum series.

“Bill Nye has inspired multiple generations to dive into science and to embrace their curiosity about the world around us,” said Neil Hamilton, chair of the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship Committee, in the press release.

Hamilton also mentioned that it will fit within Drake’s new program, STEM @ Drake.

Nye is known for his popular PBS TV show, “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” which aired from 1992 to 1998.

He has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Cornell University and has also been awarded six Honorary Doctorate degrees from universities such as Johns Hopkins University and Willamette University. American Humanist Association named him Humanist of the Year in 2010.

Nye will join the ranks of lecturers such as Dr. Maya Angelou, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The series began in 1997 with journalist Thomas Friedman and currently hosts lectures each academic semester The Martin Bucksbaum Lecture Series is made possible by a donation from the late Melva and Martin Bucksbaum.

02 | news

Feb. 10, 2016

NEWS CAMPUS NEWS

STUDENTS stand outside Sheslow auditorium on Jan. 28 protesting the visit of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The visit angered many students.

PHOTO BY JESS LYNK | NEWS EDITOR

‘We love veterans, Trump loves war’

Trump event conjures protest, opens up diversity conversation Lauren Velasco Staff Writer lauren.velasco@drake.edu @laurenvelasco7

Presidential candidate Donald Trump held a rally in Sheslow auditorium on Jan. 28 as an alternative to attending the final Republican debate before the Iowa caucus.

Trump’s rally, which was an event honoring veterans, sparked the attention of many students, some who stood in line in hopes of getting into the auditorium to hear him speak.

One group of students saw Trump’s appearance as an insult.

They felt it went against many of Drake’s values. One student who shared this opinion was junior Kenia Calderon.

“For me, as a Latina, it meant that the person who has caused fear among the Latino and Muslim communities was going to be on the same campus as me and other students of color,” Calderon said. “His presence provoked fear and anger among students who have been affected by his hateful rhetoric.”

Several students took this opportunity to exercise their first

Amendment rights and protested during the event. Despite much disapproval from some members of the audience who supported Trump, the students continued to chant as they were escorted out of the building.

“I definitely would not advocate that everyone ought to have ‘protested’ against Trump at this event because doing so is risky,” sophomore Andrea Aguilar said. “It was terrifying knowing that there are individuals in the crowd who firmly believe that people who look like me do not belong in the country.”

Students showed their disapproval with organized chants and posters. First-year Deshauna Carter also protested.

“By protesting at the rally, the student body was able to show Trump that they don’t agree with the platform he is running on,” Carter said. “In that situation, protesting was the best way to get their message across to both Trump and his supporters.”

The student protesters relayed their message to fellow students, as well as members of the surrounding community, who were at the event.

“It is extremely important that the student body protest against these events to let those speakers

and our surrounding community know that we will not tolerate racism on our campus,” Calderon said. “ If we stay silent and let this type of events happen on campus, we become part of the problem.”

While many students attended the rally, questions arose why the school would host Donald Trump given that some were offended by his views.

“I allowed the Trump campaign to use Sheslow even though Mr. Trump’s professed views on a number of issues are incompatible with the values of equity and inclusion that are central to the foundation of our university,” President Marty Martin wrote in an email sent to students on Jan 30. “By hosting Mr. Trump we were not endorsing or affirming his opinions.”

While Drake did not endorse Trump in any way, students took a stand against him being here and began the conversation regarding Drake’s diversity and inclusivity.

“The day after the protest, the President called to meet with the organizers to discuss the reasons behind our protest, the gross mishandling of our exit, as well as solutions for the future,” Aguilar said. “This is probably the most important step towards our shift

towards inclusion and diversity because it demonstrates that change is occurring from the top.”

In his email, Martin reached out to the students who protested and the rest of the university to say he was in support of their cause.

“It is extremely important that the student body protest against these events to let those speakers and our surrounding community know that we will not tolerate racism on our campus.

If we stay silent and let this type of event happen on campus, we become part of the problem.”

Kenia Calderon President of La Fuerza “I was inspired by our students who, as is their right, exercised their freedom of speech and challenged Mr. Trump’s ideas and positions during the event,” Martin wrote. “Their protest was appropriate, relevant to the circumstances, and courageous.”

The protests at the Trump

rally were just a start to efforts that Calderon, president of La Fuerza Latina, and many other students of color, are making to create more diversity at Drake.

“I personally think Drake needs to increase communication with its students, especially with students of color, to know how we think we should be reaching out to prospective students,” Calderon said. “We lack diversity as an institution, however, I think with President Martin’s new leadership we will fix this problem.”

Like Calderon, many students have seen the work Martin has done so far with issues affecting students of color.

“I really appreciate President Martin’s support. It means a lot,” Aguilar said. “It’s a much needed step in the right direction for our Drake community to continue to work on inclusion and diversity.”

While these issues are just beginning to be brought up, students and faculty alike are aware that there is still work that must be done.

“I just want to encourage the student body to understand the necessity of speaking out for what is right, even in the midst of heavy opposition, and stand with us in solidarity,” Aguilar said.

FROM THE STAFF

Student publications win 25 awards at regional conference Drake Magazine, The TimesDelphic and Urban Plains received a total of 25 awards at the Iowa College Media Association contest.

The contest is hosted by ICMA, an organization “of colleges and universities in Iowa committed to the development of excellence in media education.”

Drake Magazine won a total of seven awards, including first place to Rachel Collins for feature photo, Molly Longman for feature story, Alecia McEachran for print

design and Kayli Kunkel and Cole Norum for magazine section or cover design.

The magazine also won second place for online edition, Kunkel’s interactive graphic and Zoe Ekonomou’s blog.

The Times-Delphic won a total of 10 awards. First place awards went to Sarah Fulton for investigative story and Courtney Fishman for headline writing.

Second place awards went to Cody Frost for news photo and Fishman, Tim Webber, and Jake

Bulligton for social media.

Third place was awarded to Austin Cannon for headline writing, Paitlyn Langley for interactive graphic and Michael Lopez, Jessica Lynk and Claudia Williams for page 1 design.

Finally, Urban Plains won eight awards. Urban Plains content was produced by the spring 2015 journalism capstone.

The publication won first place for its online publication. Erin Menardi, Rachel Collins, Raeann Langas, Nicole Kasperbauer and

Alex Peterson won first place for interactive graphic and Megan Flynn also did for profile.

Second place went to Steph Kocer and Alex Peterson for slideshow and Collins won for the online video category.

Third place was awarded to Chance Hoener in the profile category, Amanda Horvath and Faith Brar for the feature category. The online video from Janet Eckles and Kenneth Schwarz won third place in online video.

Overall, the publications are happy with the results of the conference.

“I am thrilled that the students who have put so much work into these publications are able to be recognized,” said Tim Webber, editor-in-chief of the TimesDelphic.

“Drake University is home to some fantastic publications, and these awards are a testament to their success.”

03 | news

Feb. 10, 2016

NEWS STUDENT SENATE

Student senate committee modifies bylaws Allocation Fee group allows sports clubs to obtain yearly funding Beth LeValley Staff Writer beth.levalley@drake.edu @bethlevalley

Student Senate allowed five students to go to the National Young Feminist Leadership Conference by allocating $2,950 of one-time funding to the Office for Sexual Violence Response and Healthy Relationship Promotion.

This will cover airfare costs for student This conference will “provide young activists with the opportunity to network, grow their knowledge on pertinent domestic and global feminist issues and fine-tune their organizing methodology,” Treasurer Trevor Matusik said in a written statement.

Alysa Mozak, the coordinator for sexual violence response and healthy relationship promotion, will go with.

This is the first time Drake will be represented at the conference.

Grace Rogers, a junior that has been accepted to go on the trip, came to the meeting to discuss her motivations for attending.

“This conference will teach us lessons that we will be able to bring back to Drake,” said Rogers.

“We’ll be able to improve gender equality and relations on Drake’s campus.”

Sen. Richie Serrano agrees.

“I’m excited to see what students will bring back, and hopefully in the future we’ll be

able to take more students.”

Student Senate allocated $1,585 to Men’s Ultimate Club for a tournament in Marion, Indiana. This tournament will be sanctioned by the United States National Governing Body for Ultimate, which means this tournament will contribute to the national ranking of the club.

This is the farthest tournament to which the club will travel and about 20 students will be participating.

Men’s Ultimate Club has been fundraising since last semester.

The Club has been selling discs

and is currently working with the Office of Student Life to partner with Coca-Cola to raise money.

The Women’s Ultimate Club also requested $2,637 for two tournaments, one in St. Louis, Missouri and another in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Their request was approved.

Both of these tournaments will be sanctioned by the same national organization, which means they contribute to its national ranking.

The club is saving money by lodging with a teammates family in Cedar Rapids and has been

fundraising as well. It has sold 86 discs for $10 each. That money will go toward tournaments in the future.

“I have been fairly critical in the past just because of the frequency that they come and the amount of money that they ask for,” said Sen. Kevin Kane. “But, it is really cool to see that they are taking steps to fundraise. In my mind, there is nothing wrong with this motion.”

The Student Fees Allocation Committee has changed its bylaws for next semester, so sports clubs will be able to

receive annual funding. This means the frequency of the onetime funding requests from both Ultimate clubs will be much less next semester.

Student Senate is considering granting $2,000 for a refillable water bottle station in Ross Hall.

There is no current water fountain in the residence hall.

The reason they did not allocate this money during the meeting was to ensure that the funds would come from Student Senate and not a different department, so the motion is tabled until next week.

STUDENT SENATE sits around the table at their weekly meeting at 9 p.m. in the Fishbowl at the library. They granted funding to both Ultimate clubs, although they ask for funding frequently. This frequency made some senators reluctant to grant the funds to sports clubs. In order to combat these continually requests, the Student Fees Allocation Committee altered its bylaws in order to provide these clubs with an annual one-time funding request. They hope this will diffuse the multiple one-time funding requests from these types of clubs next semester. PHOTO BY MOHAMAD SUHAIMI | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

04 | opinions

Feb. 10, 2016

OPINIONS STAFF OPINION

STAFF OPINION

What is STEM anyway?

Mayhem in America: the caucus results

John Wingert

Hilary Padavan

Staff Writer john.wingert@drake.edu @realjohnwingert

Staff Writer hilary.padavan@drake.edu

There’s a lot of construction happening near Medbury and Olin, but why? Well, as some of you may or may not remember, last year Drake made the announcement of the new STEM project that has been launched here.

But what does STEM stand for and what does it mean for us?

Traditionally STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, since Drake doesn’t have an engineering program (at least not yet), they decided to change the meaning of the ‘e’ to education. As part of the program, two new academic buildings will be constructed in the coming years. One building will connect Olin and Fitch, while the other will be located behind Medbury and dedicated primarily to Drake’s education program.

Along with these fancy new buildings will be some new academic programs for students as well, including kinesiology, athletic training, occupational therapy, pre-athletic training, pre-occupational therapy, health, physical education and coaching endorsements for educators.

Construction on the project officially kicked off for the project on Feb. 1, so expect some slow walking traffic near Olin for the foreseeable future.

But I personally don’t mind the slight inconvenience and noise these buildings are bringing. It’s exciting to me that our university is expanding and finally putting more money into the education program which, until now, felt a little neglected because their home building was located offcampus.

My advice for handling all the crazy construction around campus is to plan accordingly.

The weekly “On Campus” emails detail construction updates and any walkway closings you need to be aware of. Even if you don’t want to bother reading the email, it would be worth your while to allow a few extra minutes in your commute if you have to walk through that area—the walkways can get pretty crowded.

I am a bit disappointed that I’ll probably be long gone by the time all of these changes are finished and implemented, but at least future students of Drake will get to reap the benefits of the STEM program.

At Monroe Elementary School, Drake students and community members crowded into the small, yellow and green cafeteria. Packed into a space sized for 8-year-olds, this diverse array of Des Moines residents came to decide their parties’ nominees for president of the United States.

Although no one could see in such small gatherings, the overall trends of the caucuses’ results would upset some thinking and change the way in which events proceed to the next round of voting in New Hampshire’s upcoming primary.

On the Republican side, there was anxiety over the viability of Donald Trump. The billionaire, Tropicana-complexioned, disorderly candidate had faced allegations that his voters wouldn’t turn out to support him, despite some focus group evidence that suggested the opposite.

Taking second, Trump proved that people will vote for him.

Trump managed to show that he was a serious enough candidate to gain delegates.

Chamindi Wijesinghe Business Manager wachamindi.wijesinghe@drake.edu

Although the Flint water crisis only hit headlines recently, the issue has been lingering in the shadows for two years.

Unbeknownst to us, Flint residents were preparing for the fight against powerful officials.

The saga began in April 2014, when the city decided to switch its primary water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. This decision might have saved money but ultimately boiled down to a

TIM WEBBER, Editor-in-Chief timothy.webber@drake.edu

ADAM ROGAN, Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu

MORGAN GSTALTER, Managing Editor morgan.gstalter@drake.edu JAKE BULLINGTON, Digital Editor jacob.bullington@drake.edu GIULIANA LAMANTIA, Relays Editor giuliana.lamantia@drake.edu

PRANEETH RAJSINGH, Photo Editor praneeth.rajsingh@drake.edu

COURTNEY DAY, Page Designer courtney.day@drake.edu

SARAH LEBLANC, Features Editor sarah.leblanc@drake.edu

MICHAEL LOPEZ, Design Editor michael.lopez@drake.edu

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SYDNEY SCHULTE, Copy Editor sydney.schulte@drake.edu

EVAN GUEST, Ads Manager timesdelphicads@gmail.com

video of Clinton supporters miscounting their side which led to extra delegates for her. Several delegates were determined by coin toss. And as many as 90 precincts were embarrassingly understaffed.

In a race with only 0.3 percent of delegate equivalents differentiating the two contenders (so little that all the votes that went to O’Malley could have swung it the other direction by a larger margin), it raises the issue of needing a more straightforward voting method. Nevertheless, Clinton got two more delegates for this indiscernible distinction.

Republicans and Sanders have been anxious to portray the Democratic caucuses as a virtual tie — hardly inaccurate, but equally dissatisfying given how much work Sanders poured into Iowa.

Ultimately, for candidates on either side of the aisle, New Hampshire will prove a different sort of battleground with Sanders and Trump maintaining huge leads and different Republican possibilities like Chris Christie and John Kasich showing signs of life.

Iowa has had its say for now. Although it will try to lure in candidates for the general election by being a purple state, it has too few delegates for anyone to care until the next caucus rolls around in four years’ time. The real question will be which party will need a candidate to fight the incumbent come 2020.

What you need to know about the water in Flint, MI

The student newspaper for Drake University since 1884

JESSICA LYNK, News Editor jessica.lynk@drake.edu

disproportionate showing in the Drake area as noted by CBS’ Jamelle Bouie, the supporters clung to the only centrist option that wasn’t saddled with the scandals that come with the name “Clinton.”

The other two candidates led the closest race in Iowa caucus history: Clinton, whose flip-flopping should come with warning labels for whiplash injury, and Sanders, the curmudgeonly, Brooklynite reincarnation of Eugene Debs.

Together, the two fought neckand-neck for the hearts, minds and hours-long attendance of Iowans.

By the end of the night, it was hard to say who won. Clinton said prematurely that she had won the caucuses when more than 10 percent of precincts had not reported results. Clinton allies championed this triumph like a chess player who won by concession because the other player showed up after the doors had been barred: hardly a satisfying or overwhelming show of strength.

Republicans and Sanders have, on the other hand, been anxious to portray the caucuses as a virtual tie — hardly inaccurate but equally dissatisfying given how much work Sanders poured into Iowa. His supporters want to point out that Sanders overcame a huge disadvantage to surge to a tie in the state, while Republicans want to use the results to show the underlying weakness of a well-defended, well-funded and well-publicized front-runner.

In addition, there is the quadrennial issue of Iowa caucus mayhem. In the Democratic Party, particularly, there is very little organization, regulation or oversight. C-SPAN released

STAFF OPINION

THE TIMES-DELPHIC JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu

Ted Cruz, as widely anticipated, took first place in the caucuses. Although Cruz seemed to lose his advantage in recent weeks’ polls, his strong organization, door-knocking efforts, volunteer campaigns, “Duck Dynasty” endorsements and suspected voter suppression measures helped him secure the win.

Although insinuating that Ben Carson was dropping out so his voters would flock to Cruz may not technically be illegal, it certainly toes the obfuscated line of ethics. Carson has said as much, saying they were “dirty tricks.” Even Trump was lecturing Cruz on decorum.

Marco Rubio, wearer of fine boots, made a strong showing in third after investing next to no time in retail politics. His national campaign was founded on coastto-coast media, expensive ad blitzes and select appearances.

Door-knocking and volunteer infrastructure made little difference to the young, charming figure of the Republican Party whose pockets are not just lined but padded.

Jeb “Please Clap” Bush finished behind Rand Paul, but the latter swiftly dropped out along with Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum, who were previous Iowa Caucus victors.

Some say that his showing was at least respectable, but no one should forget Jim Gilmore. A man either running a high-tech, invisibility-based campaign or none at all, got twelve inexplicable votes in the Republican caucuses.

On the Democratic side, tensions rose as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders prepared to rumble while Martin O’Malley desperately called out for attention. Although he had a

CHAMINDI WIJESINGHE, Business Manager wachamindi.wijesinghe@drake.edu

blocked artery in Flint’s economic engine and numerous cases of health dangers.

According to CNN affiliate WDIV-TV in Detroit, a local hospital discovered the percentage of lead levels in children doubled after the switch and residents experienced alarming ailments such as hair loss, skin lesions, vision loss, memory loss, depression and anxiety.

Yet it was not until October 2015 there was a declaration of state emergency. In fact, the federal government did not get involved until the Flint water crisis was strewn across national coverage. Since then, the media has been doing justice to the riotous dismay of Flint residents who have lost trust in their representatives and government officials. It is horrifying to realize that despite throngs of residents baying for answers to their concerns, no action would have been taken had five individuals not persevered.

They are a mother, a pastor, an Environmental Protection

Agency agent, a professor from Virginia Tech University and a doctor.

This is the side of the story most are unfamiliar with. It took two years for officials to address the truth that they were poisoning their own residents. Had they not been hit with hard-core evidence, Flint would still be in the dark about their deteriorating health – caused by daily, normal activities.

The mother, LeeAnne Walters, was adamant to have the EPA investigate further into the water situation due to its effect on her child. Her sheer perseverance took the situation to a whole new level as Miguel Del Toral confirmed her suspicion and led the bureaucratic fight.

In the mean time, Prof.

Mark Edwards coupled with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha to provide scientific evidence to the case.

Pastor Bobby Jackson has been distributing clean, bottled water since September 2014.

Justice League of Flint much?

It undeniably took these five individuals’ courage to go against higher officials. Their efforts paid

off when the officials ran out of excuses to not declare a state of emergency. What followed was a potpourri of lawsuits, anger, official apologies, press and disciplinary conferences.

After the disciplinary conference regarding performance, officials are being fired for negligence and their role in the crisis. After all, as one official mentioned: “everybody needs to be held responsible, from the top to the bottom.” That is true … everybody, even if it means going after the governor.

Despite that, the road to justice is a long fight. At the official hearing, Keith Creagh, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, expressed his apologies to the people of Flint and acknowledged that “We still cannot guarantee that the water is safe to drink.”

As Flint is lacerated with its ongoing distrust in its water supply, it can only thank the real heroes who created the domino effect and exposed the truth.

The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The Times-Delphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

LETTERS & SUBMISSION POLICY The Times-Delphic strives to represent student views as accurately and honestly as possible. We rely on readers to provide us with criticism, comments and new ideas so that we can continue to serve the interests of the students in the fairest possible way. We encourage interested readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s name and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Deadlines for guest submissions are noon Sunday for the Wednesday edition. The Times-Delphic reserves the right to edit letters and submissions for space and in the interest of taste. Letters and submissions reflect only the opinions of the authors and should be limited to 250 words. Emailed letters can be sent to tdeditorinchief@gmail.com.

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05 | opinions

Feb. 10, 2016

OPINIONS Humans of Drake Each week, staff writer Rachel Wermager captures stories of students on Drake’s campus

STAFF OPINION

SNL political satire capitalizes on American politics with humor

Jacob McKay Staff Writer jacob.mckay@drake.edu

Ethan Turner • Junior Radio Television Producing & Writing Major “I’m interested in learning languages. I dance bachata, salsa, merengue, a little bit of tango, and a little bit of cha cha. I love to dance, especially Latin. I enjoy traveling; I love culture and meeting new people. I like hanging out with friends, those kinds of things. I love to read, I just like learning. I’m a huge fan of learning for the sake of learning.”

Walking along University on Monday morning, I was not surprised to see a camera crew crossing the street. It was the morning of the caucuses, and campus had been crawling with media personnel for the entire week.

I looked more closely, and realized that one of the people who the camera was being pointed at was Jake Tapper, who is a well-known news correspondent for CNN. My interest piqued.

I realized that Tapper and whomever he was conversing with were walking towards me.

As they passed, I realized it was Sarah Palin casually taking a stroll.

My first thought was of how accurate Tina Fey’s impression on “Saturday Night Live” is.

“Saturday Night Live” is still a very relevant show and much of that relevance comes from how adept the show is at political satire.

The mock debate cold opens that the show has held this election cycle have been a fixture in the popular lexicon. “Saturday Night Live” has been influential to the point where the show’s sketches have framed how the public views entire candidacies.

Certain candidates have fallen victim to the comedic wrath of the show to a degree worse than others. In past election cycles, the Tina Fey-Sarah Palin impression has been a hit, as well as a portrayal of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Palin has often been portrayed as a happy-golucky gal from Alaska who just happens to know nothing about

politics. Years after her initial vice presidential bid, we still remember this from the sketches.

This election cycle has provided such a diverse cast of characters and such a wealth of material for the show that the producers have to throw in as many sketches as possible.

From well-known candidates such as Bernie Sanders to routinely overlooked candidates such as Jim Webb who can never seem to get enough time, the show has been spot on with impressions this year.

My personal favorites have been Jay Pharaoh’s Ben Carson, which will be the enduring image of his candidacy in my mind, as well as Larry David as Bernie Sanders. Sanders and David were on SNL together in a move that, in my opinion, will only strengthen Bernie’s stronghold on the youth.

“Saturday Night Live” is proving that sketch shows can stay relevant by capitalizing on something many American’s naturally treat as a joke — politics.

STAFF OPINION

STAFF OPINION

Winning London: student reflects on J-Term

Barbie has a new body and look

An experience where grades should not be a concern

Molly Adamson Staff Writer molly.adamson@drake.edu

I still can’t believe that over a month ago I was on a plane headed to London. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in a Mexican restaurant trying to convince my parents that I should take the Gothic Literature class my roommate was signing up for.

But there I was, getting on a plane with 20 other students.

I have a physical disability, so that was the main concern my parents and I had. How would I be able to handle the physical and mental toll of this trip? I met with the professors before the trip and discussed it with them.

They assured me that they and the other students would help me with anything I needed. So with these conversations I felt assured, but was still slightly concerned.

I had no need to be worried, though. The students and professors went way beyond my expectations in helping me out.

Any time they saw me remotely struggling, whether it was with my bags or just walking in general, a hand was offered. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more helpful group of people to go on this trip with.

The sights of London, Dartmoor and Bath were very cool of course, but what I really appreciated from the trip was all the people I got to meet. These classmates of mine were people I probably wouldn’t have gotten to know if I hadn’t gone on this trip.

There was a mix of majors in the group, and I never would have gotten the chance to interact with any science majors the way I did on that trip. In order to spend two weeks abroad with each other, you really have to get to know people.

Besides getting to know my fellow students, I also got to know my professors on a personal level.

Being thousands of miles away

from campus allowed for them to loosen up. Yes, they were still our professors, but for that brief time they were also sort of our guardians. They had to keep track of us and watch out for our safety.

At one point some students started calling them “Professor Mom” and “Professor Dad” as a joke.

The relaxed environment thousands of miles away from campus allowed for the professors to be relaxed. They often joined us for meals that weren’t group meals. Conversations were had over good food and they would give out great life advice. I know I won’t get that same level of comradery with any other professor simply because they weren’t on the trip with me.

So while there were many amazing sights everywhere we went, what I really got out of the trip was new friendships. I am a very shy person, and this trip allowed me to break out of my shell. For that, I am very grateful.

Taking a J-term class, whether it be on campus or abroad, allows you to have experiences you otherwise would never have had.

So go ahead and do it. Just don’t worry about your grades because you’re doing it for the experience.

ADAMSON and English Professor Melissa Klimaszewski with tour guide, Richard on the Dartmoor Moors. Adamson explains the moors as being hilly and the most physically exhausting part of her trip. COURTESY OF MOLLY ADAMSON

Ellen Converse Staff Writer ellen.converse@drake.edu @EllenConverse

Girls come in all different shapes, skin tones and hairstyles.

And now, the dolls that they play with match their owner’s level of uniqueness.

For years, Barbie has set the scale of beauty impossibly high for millions of girls. Her tall height, impossibly skinny body and long blonde hair have become a source of comparison between little girls’ natural bodies and the doll.

Thankfully, Mattel, decided it was time for a change. The company now lets you have the choice between the choice of the traditional Barbie, and also curvy, petite, and tall versions of the doll. In addition to this improvement, there are now seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hair colors.

Adding four different body types is the biggest change that has happened in all 57 years of Barbie’s life, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier about it.

Girls are surrounded by so much pressure to look a certain way. The media has a powerful impact on girls by showcasing stereotypical beauty, instead of embracing uniqueness. But to have a toy make girls feel unhappy about their bodies as well? I find that simply unacceptable. No two people are the same, and I’m so happy that Barbie is finally embracing that concept and expanding to include ALL girls.

Honestly, it’s hard to be a girl in this society. This society places so much importance on

appearances, but only celebrates those that fit into a small box defined as beautiful. Now young girls can embrace their uniqueness by playing with dolls that have similar features as themselves. I believe this will broaden the realm of what society considers to be “beautiful.”

As important as I find this new line of dolls, I also want to stress the point that dolls are meant for fun. Can you imagine a 6-yearold already upset about her appearance because she doesn’t resemble her doll? The fact that a doll can affect young girl’s confidence so drastically is a clear sign that we as a society need to stop placing so much importance on beauty.

I believe that this is a great stride for shattering the misconceptions and stereotypes about beauty, but we still have a long way to go in order ensure that every little girl feels beautiful and confident everyday, whether she looks like her favorite toy or not.

06 | opinions

Feb. 10, 2016

OPINIONS BATTLE OF THE SEXES

This week: Valentine’s Day Joe says that more personal Valentine’s Day experiences are better. Claire believes you should show you love someone every day of the year.

Who do you agree with?

Tweet us your response @timesdelphic

Joe Herba

Staff Writer joseph.herba@drake.edu I don’t know how to feel about Valentine’s Day. Is it exciting? Is it terrifying? Is it sad? I’m sure it can be all three. I am more used to the middle school Valentine’s Day of handing out valentines (let’s see how many times I can say valentines in one article) to all of my peers.

I’ve grown up a hopeless romantic and have always believed in extravagance on Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t until I actually had a girlfriend that I realized that a flash mob or spontaneous horse and carriage ride are actually quite difficult to acquire. So what’s next? A nice dinner? A walk around the sculpture garden? Yes, all of these are classic, but it’s about the things that aren’t thought of that go the longest way!

Go for an ice skate on Gray’s Lake and when she asks if that’s allowed or if it’s dangerous, look her straight in the eye and say that you are dangerous. Girls love that.

But actually, the more personal the better. Any random guy can take the girl of your dreams to a nice dinner and a walk around the sculpture garden, but only you know that she loves stargazing, so a night underneath the stars is not a bad option.

Another good one is sit in your car at the Capitol (it’s cold) and watch the buzz of downtown while the two of you don’t have a care in the world. There is always so much pressure for the first Valentine’s date especially, so honestly, do your best.

If your best is boiling hot dogs in the GK kitchen and then eating them romantically like Lady and the Tramp … that’s kind of strange, but who am I to judge. Love is love, I guess? I don’t know, she probably won’t like that more than going to get hot chocolate downtown and ice skating together. Or at least bring the hot dogs with, I don’t know man, you’re on your own for that one.

But really, do try to do your best. You can even cheat a little bit. (NOT ON YOUR GIRLFRIEND.) You can cheat by asking your friends that are girls or experienced guys. Watch.

Me: “Hey, Alec, what’s a good place to take a girl to on Valentine’s Day?” Alec: “Go to the Art Museum.

Girls go crazy for ‘cultured’ men.”

There you have it! But really, do the best you can with what you have and just remember that it’s not about how much you have, but rather what you do with it!

STAFF OPINION

V-Day is approaching

Claire Franksen

Staff Writer claire.franksen@drake.edu The best age to celebrate Valentine’s Day is when you’re young. You came home from school with a decorated shoebox stuffed with cheesy cards and candy and counted how many Fun-Dips you collected. You and your mom would expertly pick what theme your own cards would be, hoping that your class went crazy for them. Everyone brought in heart shaped cookies and we decorated Valentines for our family with pink and red doilies.

I remember one Valentine’s Day dinner with my family, circa 2008, where we taught my parents the Soulja boy dance.

Why did this happen? I’m still not entirely sure. This was probably my most eventful V-Day I have experienced thus far into my life.

In high school, V-Day got a little more personal. Couples started taking it a little more seriously and celebrating romantically, and that’s when the holiday started to suck. If you

FILM REVIEW

A Dummy’s Guide to the Academy Awards

The stress this Hallmark holiday brings for singles and significant others is four days away

Marissa DePino

Staff Writer marissa.depino@drake.edu @MarissaDePino The presence of chocolates, flowers and stuffed bears screams that Valentine’s Day is in the air.

This commercialized Hallmark holiday can become a disaster in just a blink of an eye. Whether you are single or in a relationship, it is no doubt a struggle to get through this holiday. So I’m here to give you tips on how to get through this overly commercialized holiday filled with such love and utter romance.

Now if you’re in a relationship this Valentine’s Day, there can be a lot of stress. There is all this pressure to go out of your way to make it this romantic day for your significant other, whether that means sending flowers or taking that person out for a romantic candlelit evening at a fancy restaurant. This all adds to this crazy idea that Valentine’s Day must be perfect; that Valentine’s Day must be an over the top flamboyant occasion. There’s a notion that Valentine’s Day is the only day you can show your significant other how you truly

feel about them.

Instead of placing this weight upon your significant other’s shoulders to pay an ample amount of greens on this day, plan for this day to not be overthe-top. Let it be a day you can celebrate by simply enjoying each other’s company. Valentine’s Day is only a day and there is no need for perfection.

On the other hand, for all you single ladies and gentlemen, Valentine’s Day is just another day. It’s best to just get through it and realize that it is simply a Hallmark Holiday. However, that being said, there is no reason to not make the most of this Valentine’s Day. While it can be annoying to watch all the couples get all lovey-dovey, don’t forget that once Valentine’s Day is over, all the chocolate goes on sale. It’s perfect, because who doesn’t love chocolate? Make the most of it and just use it as a day to make plans with your closest friends.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect reason for a get together and this must be taken advantage of.

Whether you are in a relationship or not, one of the best ways to deal with this Valentine’s Day is to treat it just like any other day of the week. It’s the perfect excuse to watch your favorite rom-com with your best friend. There’s no need to become the Scrooge of Valentine’s Day, but just take the day on for what it is. A Hallmark holiday created for the businesses of America—I mean a day of celebrating love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

weren’t dating anyone, then it became a holiday where you eat mounds of chocolate, order pizza and watch Netflix until you pass out.

I have never been dating someone during V-Day, so celebrating it kind of feels like putting up a Christmas tree in a Jewish household. It’s one of those holidays you always want to participate in, but feel like you can’t because you’re missing a key component. Anyone can buy chocolate, a teddy bear and flowers for someone and say “I love you,” but it’s just so different when it’s your mom who’s saying it.

There are times when I go through phases of wondering why V-Day is even a thing. Why we have to designate a day in the year to show the people you love that you in fact love them, when you’re supposed to do that everyday. It’s as if people pull off extravagant V-Day plans so that they are off the hook for slacking the rest of the year.

Why can’t everyday be like V-Day? Is it necessary to designate one day a year devoted to eating everything heartshaped, being romantic with your significant other and pretending that there is a little baby flying around shooting arrows into your butt.

As of right now, I do not have plans for Valentines Day. However, I will welcome invitations with open arms. You can reach me by sending me an email. I also accept notes from carrier pigeons.

Irish immigrant in 1950s New York who must choose between her new life in America and her home and family across the ocean.

Neither one will surprise you or let down those who know what they’re looking for. And neither film will win. “Bridge of Spies” is for the history buffs, and “Brooklyn” is for the sweet romantics in all of us.

Eric Deutz

Staff Writer eric.deutz@drake.edu

Wow, is it that time again?

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are right in the midst of the most exciting time of year for a guy like me who enjoys watching winners win and losers cry.

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos were crowned Super Bowl Champions. Next Monday, it will be Taylor Swift vs. everyone else at the Grammys. And a mere two weeks after that comes my personal favorite: The Oscars.

Since you only have a couple more weeks to see all the nominees, here’s a handy little guide to help you decide where to put your money, so come Oscar night, you’ll have more to do than just wait for Lady Gaga to show up.

Here are your Best Picture nominees, with my two cents on each one thrown in.

New York Period Pieces “Bridge of Spies” and “Brooklyn.” The first is the true story of James Donovan, a New York lawyer who found himself in charge of a dangerous prison exchange between the U.S. and Russia during the Cold War. The second is the fictional story of an

Real Issues Eye-Openers “The Big Short” and “Spotlight.” The first takes a slightly comedic look at the insiders who actually profited off of the huge economic meltdown of the mid-2000s. The second takes an absolutely not-comedic look at the Catholic Church’s cover-up of sexual abuse within the clergy, and The Boston Globe’s PulitzerPrize winning investigation of the subject.

“The Big Short” is fun because of the awareness of its complexity – but that doesn’t mean there are times when it is not hard to follow. “Spotlight” is an absolute must see – an incredibly honest and heartbreaking look into a timely issue and a real contender for the top prize this year.

Sci-Fi Surprises “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “The Martian.” The first is a mind-numbing, incredibly imaginative experiment into a world you’ve never seen before.

The second is a mind-boggling, incredibly imaginative look at our own world being faced with a situation like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

“The Martian” is brilliant because of how well it mixes comedy into its real-life drama, but “Mad Max” is the one to watch. I’ve never seen so much adrenaline packed into one screen, and in a perfect world,

director George Miller would be taking home the night’s biggest prize. If you’re the type of person who still thinks the latest “Fast and Furious” installment is as exciting as films get, see this film.

Actor Showcases “The Revenant” and “The Room.” The first is the nowfamous Leonardo DiCaprio movie about a frontiersman mauled by a bear and left for dead — for which he absolutely will be taking home his very first Oscar — and the most nominated film of the year.

“The Room” is the one film on this list I haven’t yet seen. It is about a woman and her son who live their entire lives inside a room probably smaller than your bedroom, and the film for which Brie Larson will most likely be taking home the award for Best Actress. And don’t get me wrong, she earns it – but the story is truly about her son, and Jacob Tremblay who is said to give the most layered performance ever seen out of a 9-year-old.

Who Should Win: “Mad Max: Fury Road” Who Will Win: “Spotlight” (which is fine too.)

07 | features

Feb. 10, 2016

FEATURES WINTER ACTIVITIES

Des Moines’ Brenton Skating Plaza helps thaw winter chill Ellen Koester Staff Writer ellen.koester@drake.edu

What the Midwest lacks in beaches, it makes up with skating rinks for seasonal fun. The only outdoor rink in the Des Moines area, Brenton Skating Plaza, has strong ties to Drake University.

Robbin McClelland, who manages the rink, said that the rink is very popular among college age students.

“I think it’s just very unique,” McClelland said. “It’s a unique atmosphere with it being downtown and by the river. We supply a safe atmosphere in downtown Des Moines and it’s a great place for all ages.”

The plaza is relatively new.

Though it is just celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2016 ,the rink has already made an impact on the Drake community.

Brenton Skating Plaza has provided internships and employment opportunities to students in the past.

Spike, the mascot, has also made appearances at the Plaza’s Mascot Skate event, which is on Feb. 20 this year.

“We’ve become a tradition for many Drake students and young professionals,” McClelland said.

“Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity with friends, date night or just looking to see the area, we’re a great location for Drake students.”

Drake student Rylea Manternach recently had a date night at the rink and said she would go again.

“I had a lot of fun the first time and it’s a place I know is a good and safe environment that I

could take my cousins or the kids I babysit to,” Manternach said.

Manternach said the rink was easy to get to even with the hectic Des Moines traffic, and it was good to get out of Drake for a while.

“It’s a cool hang out spot and it’s something different,” Manternach said. “It’s good to get off campus. It’s a source of stress relief.”

New or beginner skaters can sign up for skating classes, which are open to all skill levels.

Students can attend a one-time class or sign up for the three remaining classes for the year.

Although the rink will close for the season around the first week of March, it will open in mid-May as a venue. They have hosted weddings, private events and will host a concert series from May to September with performers to be announced. More information on public events can be found on the

rink’s Facebook page.

Although it is more difficult, it is still important to get outside even in the colder months.

Brenton Skating Plaza’s original intent was to offer a way to get people outside.

“It’s a great way for young people to get outside and enjoy

the winter weather,” McClelland said.

The plaza opens daily at noon and charges $5.50 for adult skating Mondays through Thursdays with a raise to $7 on weekends and holidays.

“Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity with friends, date night or just looking to see the area, we’re a great location for Drake students.”

Robbin McClelland Manager

The rink also offers a way to bring clubs or Greek life together.

Students can call the plaza and rent the rink for an hour after it would usually close.

“It’ll be just their group to play broomball or ice skate,” said McClelland. “That’s one thing that a lot of college students enjoy.”

Because it is outdoors, the rink is vulnerable to the weather conditions and will close if the wind chill is zero. Students can check the plaza’s website for closings.

BRENTON SKATING PLAZA, located in downtown Des Moines, offers a welcoming atmosphere for first-time and experienced skaters alike. PHOTO BY CASSANDRA BAUER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER.

CAMPUS EVENTS

CAMPUS NEWS

Renowned jazz musician performs at Drake Students talk Black History Month Nicole Kincius Staff Writer nicole.kincius@drake.edu

Political candidates and celebrities like Josh Hutcherson have been walking around campus. They have even waited hours in long lines to hear presidential hopefuls speak their views in Sheslow Auditorium.

The audience members who filled those seats last Wednesday, however, were not there to hear speeches, but melodies.

Gregory Porter’s appearance on campus was highly anticipated.

This Grammy-winning, 2015 International Jazz Artist of the Year finally stepped on stage last week.

The band grooved, Porter crooned, the audience moved, and it was better than most could have possibly imagined.

It was thanks to the Civic Music Association. This organization has a long history of ushering in similar up-and-coming artists to the area, according to Calla Whipp, the marketing and patron services manager.

“Our culture here is just a little bit different,” Whipp said of Des

Moines. “It’s maybe not on the very cutting edge, but I think as the city matures, it is becoming more that way.”

With previous artists like Esperanza Spalding, Bela Fleck and Brooklyn Rider and Philip Glass, Civic Music has helped to make this city more interesting.

For Drake students like Caleb Moats, the organization’s dedication to finding new voices is what keeps him coming to concerts.

“I kind of like the surprise of seeing who’s coming in each month.” Moats said. “I like hearing new people that I’ve never heard before.”

Porter used to be one of those new people, but after Moats heard one of his soulful songs, he was hooked.

“I just wanted to hear more of it,” Moats said.

The Civic Music Association has also helped to enrich another student’s life through a special opportunity. Claire Davison, a sophomore law, politics and society major, started as an intern for the organization over the summer.

“It just continued through the year to help do ushering at these shows,” Davison said. “It’s definitely worth it and it is great

management practice.”

The fact that the Civic Music Association brings these artists right to Drake’s doorstep makes setting aside a little concert time a no-brainer. “It’s so much better to be in an intimate venue like that,” Whipp said. “You can really connect to an artist that way.”

To those in the audience, it felt like they touched each audience member’s heart that night.

Unfortunately, not many Drake students or faculty members know about these performances. Whipp hopes to change this by getting more information to students just so they can experience what they have seen and heard.

“It’s a good opportunity to hear fantastic artists, for super cheap,” Whipp says, noting that student rush tickets were only ten dollars.

For all interested in expanding their musical horizons, the next artist will be jazz trumpeter Bria Skonberg on Saturday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Keep an eye out for other performances in their upcoming 2016-2017 season; one of them could be your chance to experience the quality that the Civic Music Association is trusted to bring about.

GREGORY PORTER, a Grammy-winning Jazz musician brought to Drake by the Civic Music Association, performed for a large crowd in Sheslow Auditorium last Wednesday. PHOTO BY NICOLE KINCIUS | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Katherine Bauer Staff Writer katherine.bauer@drake.edu

Black History Month offers time to not only look back on Black History but to examine how minorities are represented and treated in society today.

Jared Freemon, a senator on Student Senate and member of the Coalition of Black Students, said Black Americans lacked representation in mainstream media, society, movies and school, leading to the creation of Black History Month.

“We still live in a country that, although it has improved, provides underrepresentation, misrepresentation and certain disadvantages to people of color, much like other minority groups like women and the LGBT community,” Freemon said. “In a perfect world, everyone would recognize the accomplishments of African-Americans, and we would be represented equally in society, and there would be no need for a Black History Month.”

Freemon said he has seen setbacks to gaining equality for minorities through micro aggression from students towards minorities or certain groups of people.

“There will be a person here who tells a racist joke, or someone who refers to people from the community as ghetto or ratchet simply because of stereotypes or ignorance,” Freemon said.

“These things along with silent bystanders are set backs to progress.”

Thalia Anguiano is the Diversity Interest Senator on Drake’s Student Senate. She has taken on a strong role in advocating for minorities on campus, including questioning Hillary Clinton about white privilege at the Brown and Black Forum held on campus in January.

“Efforts this month help (us be able) to advocate for issues effecting the black community

and minority community in general and really raise awareness to some of the things that have gone on in our history and are still going on in our society today like racism, discrimination, oppression, et cetera,” Anguiano said.

Anguiano said that through the efforts of students and President Marty Martin’s leadership, change is taking place to enable minorities to feel more included at Drake.

One big step was the addition of Tony Tyler as the director of student engagement, equity & inclusion.

“We’re making strides, which is great. We still have a long way to go, but President Marty is aware of these issues from my personal interactions with him, and he knows that not just Drake but many other universities around the nation face and struggle with these hardships to make sure students of color and minorities feel like they’re welcome on campus,” Anguiano said.

Anguiano said creating an inclusive environment is the first step before making efforts to welcome diverse students to campus. Freemon holds the same sentiment.

“I think there should be more of an effort to have understanding, tolerance, and inclusivity,” Freemon said. “When these things increase, there will be room for more diversity and there will be a more welcoming environment. It is more than just having Black students on campus.

Diversity means a wide variety of religions, beliefs, ethnicities and other characteristics as well.”

Several events related to Black History Month will be held at Drake this February. The Coalition of Black Students is hosting Tracy Martin, the father of Trayvon Martin, on Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. Free Movie Friday on Feb. 19 will show “Creed” at 7 p.m. in Sussman Theater. On Feb. 21, Mama’s Cooking will be served at the Black Cultural Center at 2 p.m.

08 | features

Feb. 10, 2016

FEATURES SOCIAL ISSUES

Diversity on Drake’s campus has room for improvement Emily VanSchmus Staff Writer emily.vanschmus@drake.edu @vansmooches

Ask anyone in the Midwest what’s in Iowa and you’ll hear a combination of corn, farmers, and white people who drive their tractors to work. This might be an accurate portrayal of some parts of the state, but Des Moines is an up-and-coming haven of cultural diversity.

Each year, USA Today publishes a Diversity Index, a ranking of how diverse each state is based on research. In 2014, Iowa scored a 34 on a 1-100 scale – one of the lowest in the country.

But they made sure to note that Des Moines was the exception to these findings.

In Des Moines Public Schools, white students are a minority, as those of different races and cultures come to Des Moines, a place now known for its inclusivity.

Junior Jackie Heymann said she was pleasantly surprised by the level of diversity in Des Moines.

“Des Moines is diverse in terms of many different identities; race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, just to name a few,” Heymann said. “I am a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and when I first walked into my little sister’s school I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the wide range of cultures that are represented. I learned that this was not unique to her

school-there are more than 100 languages spoken in the DMPS system.”

Diversity isn’t just limited to the school system. Throughout the year, a variety of cultural celebrations are held downtown as a way for residents to experience the cultural traditions of their neighbors.

With different cultures comes a wide array of religious beliefs.

Services for Christian, LDS, Jewish and Islamic faiths are held around the city, and the number of religions represented is only growing as Des Moines expands.

“I would honestly like to see more students involved in groups that are different, whether it is Black students attending a La Fuerza Latina event, or a White student attending a SASA event.”

Jared Freemon Junior

Junior Jared Freemon explained his appreciation for diversity both on and off campus.

“I was really able to see diversity and a strong community regarding race when I met with Urban Dreams, a local nonprofit in Des Moines, during an event on campus regarding the Drake community,” Freemon said. “This organization helped sponsor

the Brown and Black Forum, an event that has hosted presidential candidates for over 20 years. It was exciting to see a community group, whose main focus is diversity and empowerment, have a great and lasting effect in Des Moines, and the country as a whole.”

Freemon said that since coming to Drake three years ago, he’s seen the university expand in diversity, but also suggested that there is room for improvement.

“From my view, Drake is in a time of transition,” Freemon said. “Since coming to Drake, the university has definitely increased diversity, at least in the context of race. In first year at Drake, I could definitely count how many Black students attended Drake. Other people of color seemed to have a smaller presence on campus.

This year, I can see much more diversity, especially relative to 2013.”

Despite progress in becoming more representative of minority populations, Drake is not as inclusive as many other institutions.

“Drake still has work to do as a PWI (private white institution) with a student body that is most likely more than 85% White,” Freemon said. “Overall, Drake does not have the ability to brag or boast about its racial diversity at this point. But, if the university continues programs like Crew Scholars and makes an effort to make campus a welcoming place, the university will be able to create a diverse and well-rounded environment.”

It was these concerns that

inspired Drake to partner with the Quality Improvement Project as part of its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. In partnership with Rankin and Associates Consulting, the campus climate survey was created to measure students’ feelings of inclusivity on our campus.

With over 100 questions strategically written to learn how ‘inclusive’ students feel Drake is, the survey was offered to all Drake students and staff last February.

Heymann explained the results of the survey were not as positive as she’d hoped.

“The survey came back with some amazingly rich data and insight into our university’s campus climate,” Heymann said. “Specifically, it provided us with groups of individuals who have not felt particularly included on our campus. One of the greatest insights I think all students, faculty and staff should take from the data is that the marginalization taking place in greater society is mirrored on our campus. For example, society is racist, our campus is also racist.

Society is homophobic, our campus is also homophobic.”

Junior Thalia Anguiano echoed these sentiments, explaining that diversity in Des Moines is not necessarily reflected in the ‘Drake bubble,’ as she called it.

“Des Moines is diverse, yes, but if we look around the Drake community, it’s not that diverse,” Anguiano said. “I haven’t been able to find a community that I can feel ‘home’ in without driving 15 minutes away from campus.”

Anguiano said that although Drake has made great progress, there is a definite need for improvement on campus.

“For a small private school, we are moderately diverse but still have room to grow and expand on different identities,” she said.

“I also feel like we have a problem with defining what is ‘diverse or diversity.’ People tend to think it only relates to race and ethnicity but that’s most certainly not the case.”

Freemon said he sees Drake moving in the right direction, but would like to see more students taking results of the Climate Survey into consideration and making an effort to change them.

“I would honestly like to see more students involved in groups that are different, whether it is Black students attending a La Fuerza Latina event, or a White student attending a SASA event,” Freemon said. “I think this would be beneficial for individuals to understand other students and for the university to have more educated and well-rounded students.

Heymann agreed that it is up to each student to make the effort if Drake’s diversity is going to mirror Des Moines’.

“Ultimately it is up the individual student to take part in that work,” Heymann said.

“Oftentimes, the students who need most to learn about different mindsets, cultures, religions, etc. are the ones who are the last in line to take these opportunities.”

DES MOINES is more representative of the nation’s overall population than Drake University in terms of minority groups. With tools like the campus climate survey students filled out regarding the inclusivity of the campus, however, measures are being taken to provide a more representative environment. PHOTO BY PRANEETH RAJSINGH | PHOTO EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter still popular among students on 10th anniversary Clare Vanechaute Staff Writer clare.vanechaute@drake.edu

10 years and many 140 character blocks of text later, Twitter is close to celebrating its first decade on the web.

Created in March 2006, Twitter has become a social media staple. But does Twitter have a future? Drake students believe it does.

Characterized by its 140-character limit on tweets and a live, real-time feed, some of Twitter’s main strengths are the brevity of the posts and the ability to follow celebrities, journalists, bloggers, friends and comedians.

Brock Webb, a sophomore theatre directing major, leans forward to show his screen.

“Just scrolling through here, I see political opinions, an account called ‘Obvious Ostrich’ which is just a meme, our student body president, Weird Twitter, political opinions and then literally stuff like this,” Webb said, pausing to click on a specific tweet. It read, “People read my tweets. Thank you guys for that.”

Webb uses his Twitter less

seriously than other, calling it more of an entertainment outlet than a place for connections.

“But it’s more-this is an entertainment product. It is a thing that is helping me. It’s not necessarily a connectivity source even though it can be that. It’s more of something to enjoy, rather than something to do.” @BrockWebb1 cites his short attention span and the lack of reciprocal pressure as a major reason that Twitter is his favorite.

While Facebook and Instagram seem to emphasize reciprocation through likes and shares, Twitter has a functionality unique to itself that allows for a more selective input and output.

“People take it too seriously sometimes,” Webb said. “No one is making you look at anything. If it’s upsetting you or making you sad, stop.”

Junior magazine journalism and creative writing major Molly Longman’s Twitter game is strong. Facebook is full of all of Longman’s friends, while those following @MollDoll2013 on Twitter are more strangers, lessening the impact of getting less favorites.

“I have built up my Twitter and I have been for a long time,

so I have like 958 followers,” Longman said. “I would call myself very strategic about when I post. I have kind of studied when my posts do the best.”

However, she admitted to expecting more likes on Facebook.

Longman follows over 1,000 people on Twitter, from journalists and major news sources to silly for-laughs accounts.

“I guess I would call my personal feed, too, a combination of news retweets that are really serious like ‘Hillary Clinton did this’ and refugees and then me trying to be funny, which isn’t always a hit,” Longman said.

Longman joined the Twittersphere four years ago and says that her account has morphed with her through the years.

“I guess it matures as you mature,” Longman said. “It’s all about who you follow.”

First-year journalism major Jacob McKay has as strong a grip on the Twitter how-to as Webb and Longman.

“I use Twitter because it is the easiest format to have influence over people,” McKay stated.

“It’s so easy for things to catch on,” he continued. “Like hashtags.

Or if you get enough retweets on something, people really don’t have a choice but to see it.”

Like Webb and Longman, @ jacobmmckay follows friends, the news, funny accounts, using the platform to stay up on politics and the music world. McKay uses Twitter to promote his blog, a book he has written and add his voice to greater conversations.

“I have a voice that some people may want to hear,” McKay said. “I think that like it’s still about connecting with your friends and whatever, which— it’s good! But we have so many messaging platforms out there now that that’s not what it’s about. It’s literally about you pushing you.”

Twitter is 10 years old, and no one can even agree what Twitter is for. If Longman believes Twitter is for her news sources, Webb believes Twitter is for entertainment, and McKay believes it is for self promotion, how can a platform that cannot even be nailed down be so ingrained into the

lives of so many?

What each student echoed in their own way was a sense of ownership over their Twitter, more so than their other accounts.

Each platform has its positives and negatives, but Twitter has an open-ended quality that allows for every user to use it in their own way, all within only 140 characters.

As Twitter co-founder Biz Stone once tweeted, “Constraint inspires creativity.”

09 | features

Feb. 10, 2016

FEATURES HOLIDAYS

Galentine’s Day celebrates friendship before romance Clare Vanechaute Staff Writer clare.vanechaute@drake.edu Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Flowers, chocolates, pink and red hearts, jewelry, greeting cards, and fancy date nights surround this holiday.

But an up and coming holiday is making waves as it becomes more and more prevalent in our culture. Originating from a popular TV show, the day before Valentine’s Day is getting a makeover.

Feb. 13 is now the official date for Galentine’s Day. “Parks and Recreation,” a sitcom starring Amy Poehler, became a major hit due to Poehler’s portrayal of quirky and lovable civil servant Leslie Knope as she darts about her city government’s parks department.

Poehler’s character is known for her love of celebrating, which spurred her to create a pre-Valentine’s Day “ladies celebrating ladies” day: Galentine’s Day. This fictional day was made to do just that: celebrate the strong women in your life and be as thankful for your friendships as for romantic relationships.

“Yeah, Leslie Knope, basically a hero to everybody,” said senior education and psychology double major Whitney LemingSalisbury.

Leming-Salisbury has celebrated Galentine’s Day before and is looking forward to this year’s upcoming events as an RA. On Feb. 13 7 p.m., LemingSalisbury’s floor will gather in the Crawford lobby to talk about the strong women featured on their door decorations and also discuss other women who have been influential in their lives.

Leming-Salisbury hopes this event will be a coming together of people- both men and women are invited to participate-to have a conversation and show appreciation for the women who

have impacted them.

“Galentine’s Day isn’t meant to rival Valentine’s Day,” she emphasized. “The truth is it’s less about celebrating women over men, and just saying ‘Hey, we are going to put women first.’”

She says that she used to find Valentine’s Day to be “kind of an offensive holiday, meaning that it was targeted a lot at women.

Like if you didn’t get flowers or receive some kind of gift, then you weren’t valued on this day.”

Though Galentine’s Day may not be meant to rival Valentine’s Day, Leming-Salisbury feels that it may challenge the status quo by opening up a conversation about the heteronormativity of holiday

and getting to the root question of “Why am I celebrating this day?”

Violet Saylor, a senior theatre directing major, also has strong positive associations with both Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day. “I just love celebrating anything,” Saylor said. “Like any chance I have to have a party or get people together to celebrate something, to focus on the positive things.”

In the past, Saylor has gone out with the theatre women of her year to get tacos and celebrate their friendships on Galentine’s Day. However, she doesn’t think that being single stops a person from having positive associations

with Valentine’s Day, stating that she dresses in red and pink and celebrates the people she loves no matter her relationship status at the time.

“Even as a single person, I love the romance of the day,” Saylor said.

Valentine’s Day can be a touchy day for many people, especially those who are not currently in a relationship. However, Saylor puts it all into perspective.

“I think our society sets people up to be under a lot of pressure on that day, like you have to have a fancy present or make it a big day and we just have this stereotypical idea of what Valentine’s Day is supposed to look like, and I think

that can be really harmful,” Saylor said.

“Because expectations aren’t met and then feelings get hurt, when its really just a day to celebrate a connection you have with someone. But I think that if it’s personal and you figure out the best way to celebrate it with your person, then it can be really nice.”

For those looking for something to do around Des Moines on Feb. 13, the Social Club will be hosting an all-female comedy show in The Basement starting at 9 p.m. for just $8.

GALENTINE’S DAY has been instilled in mainstream culture by the former hit TV show “Parks and Recreation.” Celebrated on February 13, the formerly fictional holiday celebrates women and their friendships before Valentine’s Day on February 14. PHOTO BY PRANEETH RAJSINGH | PHOTO EDITOR

PROFILE

Drake student body president notes accomplishments Molly Adamson Staff Writer molly.adamson@drake.edu When Kevin Maisto walks around campus, he says hi to almost everyone he passes. This is in part due to how he ran his campaign last year to become student body president.

It was a close race, so Maisto knew he had to do something different during his campaign.

His approach was to reach out to student groups that he felt didn’t get much representation around campus, like the Malaysian Student Association.

“The Malaysian Student Association invited me to their spring barbeque” Maisto said.

“So I went out to Gray’s Lake with them and they made really awesome chicken. So I sat on a park bench and ate chicken while talking to them. It was just phenomenal.”

The struggle of campaigning was worth it for Maisto.

“I probably lost a few years of life from that week because it was so crazy and there was no sleep,” Maisto said. “But you learn so much about campus, how to make it run, and the passions of people who may not have your passions but in this position you have to make them your passions. You have to appreciate, understand, and advocate for them.”

Maisto continued to focus on the student body when Iowa caucus season began.

“During the entire process I was kind of in charge of marketing it towards students, about how if it was during class time would professors allow students to maybe potentially miss classes,”

Maisto said. “Students were really great about it all. Some nights we had to use Sheslow for something, and so performances had to be moved, or student groups meeting in Olmsted not being able to use that space.

It was about communicating with students and making sure that while they were potentially having to rearrange and kind of be unsettled for a little bit, that they were seeing the opportunity they were getting with all the events.”

Rachel Paine Caufield, associate professor of political science, worked closely with Maisto during all the political event planning.

“Kevin has been a real pleasure to work with, in large part because he maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help with whatever needs to be done,” Caufield said.

“I think he’s worked really well with other people and I know that he handles himself well in any situation. There were moments when we were all very very tired, and there were a million things that needed to get done, and I always knew that Kevin would be willing to step up with a smile on his face.”

Caufield especially appreciated Maisto’s positive attitude leading up to the caucuses.

“There’s no question that serving as student body president during the year before Iowa’s presidential caucus can be overwhelming,” Caufield said. “I don’t think people fully recognize how much time and attention is required, or how many different kinds of situations and personalities we encounter in the course of these events. I’ve been exceptionally pleased and proud

to see so many students represent Drake so well. While Kevin is one of them, he has certainly been surrounded by others who have faced similar challenges in different roles. Having said that, Kevin has done a superb job representing the student body at Drake with good humor, an excellent work ethic, sincerity, and dedication.

It’s been a pleasure to work with him.”

Another person who has enjoyed working closely with Maisto is Zach Blevins, the vice president of student life.

“He’s been able to create an environment within Senate that has allowed us to work really well together,” Blevins said. “While we can still disagree within Senate, it’s always done in a respectful manner.”

Maisto is all for the student body. He said one of his favorite moments of this year was seeing students during Welcome Weekend.

“I loved speaking to students on Welcome Weekend when everyone was together in Sheslow,” Maisto said. “Seeing the potential in that room and knowing that was me not too long ago made me see how far I’ve come. It was sort of weird, especially since I was starting senior year. It was all about seeing how far I’ve come and how much Drake has done for me. All those students hadn’t even experienced all that yet. It was really cool to speak to them and set them up for all that. It’s been cool to see them continue to take advantage of those opportunities.”

Maisto will soon be taking his own new opportunity, as Pepsi offered him about a job opportunity starting once he graduates in May. This marketing

position would start him off in Chicago, and have him moving around to a new place every year.

Even though he’s excited for the opportunity, Maisto will definitely miss Drake and all the opportunities it gave him.

“I don’t think I’m a different person than I was when I started at Drake, but I think Drake has made me into so much more of a

person,” Maisto said. “I still am who I was, but now I have these skillsets I didn’t have before to make my dreams a reality. I have a greater understanding of the people and different cultures and ideas around me. Drake encourages me to do that. To learn more, be more, and do more.”

KEVIN MAISTO, senior and current student body president, is in his last semester at Drake. PHOTO BY MOHAMAD SUHAIMI | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

10 | sports

Feb. 10, 2016

SPORTS TRACK AND FIELD

COLUMN

Distance runners again highlight weekend track meet Katherine Bauer Beat Writer katherine.bauer@drake.edu @bauer_katherine

The distance runners for Drake Track and Field posted some of the top times in Drake history last weekend at the University of Nebraska’s Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational.

Alongside powerhouse schools such as Arizona State, Auburn and UCLA, junior Reed Fischer said that the uniform did not dictate how well the athletes ran.

“I’ve had a lot of experience running against schools like that,” Fischer said. “You can put on a uniform for whatever school you want, but running is a unique sport in that it doesn’t really matter where you go (to school),

it’s how hard you’re willing work and how fast you can get.”

Drake’s top performer at the Husker Invitational would be Emma Huston.

She placed second in the ‘special’ section of the mile with a time of 4:50.70. She claimed the fastest collegiate time this weekend, defeated only by professional athlete Laura Thweatt. A new personal best, Huston’s time is the fourthfastest in Drake history.

Huston had a strong opening to the season, beating her previous personal bests in the mile twice at the Holiday Inn Invitational and again at the Mark Messersmith Invite with first place finishes at both meets. Her time at the Mark Messersmith Invite was also the sixth-fastest in Drake history.

In addition to impressive

performances in the mile, Huston ran the third fastest 3000-meter in school history and broke her personal record that she’d set at the Big Four Invite.

Fischer ran a new personal best in the 3000-meter. His time of 8:13.83 placed him fourth overall, third collegiately at the Husker Invite with the thirdfastest collegiate time. His run is the fourth-fastest in school history.

“It’s definitely elite company to be in, which is really cool, but I’m not really happy with third,” Fischer said. “It’s definitely a nice feeling to get the PR, but I know there’s more there ... I’d like to get the school record, which I think I can do.”

Even with the impressive performances from Fischer and Huston, neither the men’s or

women’s Bulldog squads were able to place in the field of 36 schools.

For the women, Danielle Griesbaum finished fifth in the 600-meter with a time 1:36.97. Bailee Cofer was sixth in the 3000-meter with a time of 10:18.96. Taylor Scholl was sixth in the regular section of the mile in 5:02.59.

James Saxton was ninth in the men’s 800-meter in 1:53.72.

The Bulldogs return to the track Feb. 12-13 at the Iowa State Classic in Ames.

“The team’s been working really hard,” Fischer said. “(Next) weekend will be a really good test.

I’m looking at running the 5k.

That’ll be another really loaded field.”

Winter drudge wears on Track and Field

VOLLEYBALL

Bulldog Way at the core of Drake Volleyball’s turnaround Adam Rogan Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu @Adam_Rogan

The last time the Drake Volleyball team had a winning season, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was in theaters, Instagram had just launched and Porterhouse was still Drake’s official live mascot.

The year was 2010 and the Bulldogs finished the season 12 games above .500 despite an 8-11 losing record in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Since then, Drake has posted four consecutive losing seasons and sports a cumulative record of 42-113 and are 18-72 in conference. However, the last two seasons have given reason for optimism.

“We think we’re in a good place,” head coach Darrin McBroom said. “It has not been a fast process, but it has been a consistent process where we’ve gotten a little bit better each year and made progress. We expect that pattern to follow into next year.”

The biggest change came between 2013 – McBroom’s first season at the helm – and 2014.

The Bulldogs improved their record by nine wins and finished 3-15 in conference in 2014, as compared to a winless 0-18 against MVC opponents in 2013.

“We, as a team, have sat down and really recommitted ourselves to the goal and value of what Drake Volleyball needs to be,” senior Rebecca Brown said. “We’ve made it a big deal to make sure you’re here in the summer to constantly get more touches on the ball. And then non-volleyball-wise we’ve really worked on having a more open communication with the coaches.”

With double digit wins in 2014 and ’15, the Bulldogs seem to be on their way back up. The Bulldogs were unable to reach the MVC Tournament in 2015, as was their goal. But they came closer than they’ve been since their last berth in 2010, only three conferences wins away from a tie for the sixth and final spot.

“Coming in as a freshman, I didn’t know what to expect,” junior Michelle Thommi said.

“Coming in, there was a culture that wasn’t as positive as I thought it might be. … I knew the potential that (the program) had.”

Thommi’s first season was also McBroom’s first, after previous head coach Tony Sunga departed in 2012 after being coaching for the first two losing seasons of the now four-year stretch.

“Looking back to freshmen year, it was more a group of individuals,” Thommi said. “(Now it’s) more of a team.”

Brown was one of five graduating seniors who played under both Sunga in ‘12 and McBroom these past three seasons. Much of the improvement that Brown has witnessed she attributed to the Bulldog Way mentality ascribed to by the team and coaching staff. “(McBroom has) really bought into (the Bulldog Way) and the culture that Drake wants to build and make sure we are outworking and outhustling our opponents for championships and making sure we’re going to … win the right way,” Brown said. “The Bulldog Way is holding yourself to a higher standard. Even though you might lose a game, you know you left it all out there and you

know that you’ve outhustled and outworked your opponent. There is such thing as good losses.”

After 2010’s success, the Bulldogs had to start rebuilding almost immediately. The team oftentimes had to aim for those ‘good losses’ when the roster was reduced to 14 for the 2011 season, 10 players fewer than the year previous.

The 2010 team featured five seniors, a number that should be matched next year. However, the 2016 roster is only expected to feature 13 players (nine returners, four confirmed commitments from incoming freshmen).

Setter Chandelle Davidson will be one of those returning for her senior season, as will Thommi, Drake’s starting libero who led the team in digs each of the last two seasons with 339 in 2015 and 455 in 2014.

If the Bulldogs are going to expect to be successful in 2016, however, it’s probably going to come down to the play of their front line.

In the MVC in 2015, Drake had the second lowest hitting percentage, third worst opponent hitting percentage, third least kills and second fewest blocks.

However, with Drake’s three most effective hitters returning – junior Makena Schoene, sophomore

Kyla Inderski, freshman Grace Schofield – it seems a sure bet that they will at the very least improve with experience.

In terms of blocking and slowing down opposing offenses, the play of incoming 6-foot-2 freshman Elle Tubbs could be critical. She will be one of only two middle blockers on the Drake roster unless another addition is made. The other will be current junior Capris Quaites.

Quaites had a fantastic sophomore season, logging the fifth most kills and second most blocks on the squad. She was primed for an even more impressive junior campaign, before a season-ending injury cut her season short after only five appearances.

Still, a healthy roster does not make a winning team. Perhaps the majority of what goes into a winning team is confidence and dedication, especially over the long term.

“I hope they continue to buyin and stay committed to the program, because things like this don’t happen overnight,” Brown said. “They definitely take time and I hope they keep that in mind, that some weeks are going to be really bad and some weeks are going to be great.”

Drake Volleyball’s last 12 seasons Year

Overall

Conference

2015

15-20

6-12

2014

11-18

3-15

2013

2-28

0-18

2012

5-24

4-14

2011

9-23

5-13

2010

23-11

8-11

2009

22-12

10-8

2008

12-20

5-13

2007

7-23

4-14

2006

8-22

4-14

2005

4-27

2-16

2004

3-26

1-17 TAYLOR ZANT, who recorded 111 kills in 2015, greets her teammates on the Knapp Center court. PHOTO BY CASSANDRA BAUER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Bailee Cofer

Columnist bailee.cofer@drake.edu

Training indoors is one of the most mentally and physically taxing types of training in the track and field world. Ask any competitor if they prefer the indoor or outdoor season and not one of them will say indoor.

Being stuck inside day after day takes its toll on an athlete. The distance runners find themselves stuck on a treadmill with only sappy reruns of Days of Our Lives to break up the monotony.

The jumpers and throwers spend their days in the field house, sharing the turf with every other sport stuck indoors. The sprinters and hurdlers end up running countless squares around the indoor “track” above the Knapp Center basketball courts, eventually landing in an ice bath to relieve the stress that running on concrete puts on the legs. And then all the athletes end up in the weight room at once, which is almost counterproductive.

Then the weekend rolls around, and we load up the bus and drive to an indoor track to compete. A few times we are lucky enough to race on a 300m track, but most universities we travel to have 200m tracks. The straightaways are short and the numbers of turns taken are numerous, rendering slower times. The air is thin, but you don’t notice it until you finish your race. You feel like there’s an elephant sitting on your chest for the next hour. The infield is crowded with athletes warming up, the track is constantly occupied with a race and the smell of gunpowder from the starting line never really fades. We come, we compete and we go home, bracing ourselves for another week of indoor training.

Then, miraculously, a threeday-span of 50-degree weather descends upon the land. Our hearts are lifted, our spirits soar.

We head outside, whooping and hollering at the chance to train outdoors in the middle of the winter. Those couple of days are some of the best and happiest days of training we experience all Indoor season.

But then we wake up the next morning to two feet of snow, 25 mile-per-hour winds and an aching in our hearts because we knew all along that the warmer weather wouldn’t last, but a small part of us still foolishly hoped it would.

We aspire to get better each meet, and after each meet we will share one athlete’s new best mark.

This week’s featured PR: Kayla Bell, long jump, 5.98m. #GetAnotherOne

11 | sports

Feb. 10, 2016

SPORTS Coming Up in Drake Athletics FEB. 12

Softball vs. Saint Louis Cedar Falls, Iowa

MEN’S TENNIS

Bulldogs persevere through doubles losses Gillespie turns luck around, Drake wins twice at home

FEB. 12

Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois State Normal, Illinois

FEB. 12-14

Women’s Golf at the FGCU Eagle Invitational Estero, Florida

FEB. 12-13

Track and Field at the Iowa State Classic Ames, Iowa

FEB. 13

Softball vs. Nebraska Cedar Falls, Iowa

FEB. 13

Women’s Tennis vs. Northern Colorado Laramie, Wyoming

FEB. 13

Softball vs. Green Bay Cedar Falls, Iowa

FEB. 13

Men’s Basketball vs. Southern Illinois Carbondale, Illinois

FEB. 13

Women’s Tennis vs. University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming

FEB. 14

Women’s Tennis vs. University of Denver Denver, Colorado

FEB. 14

Women’s Basketball vs. Indiana State Terre Haute, Indiana

FEB. 14

Softball vs. Western Illinois Cedar Falls, Iowa

FEB. 17

Men’s Basketball vs. Evansville KNAPP CENTER — 8 p.m.

DRAKE DUO Calum MacGeoch and Ben Lott congratulate Western Michigan’s Matt Hamilton and Maik Steiner after their victory in doubles. Hamilton and Steiner went on to lose their singles matches to Vinny Gillespie and Bayo Phillips, respectively. PHOTO BY ASHLEY KIRKLAND | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Rogan Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu @Adam_Rogan

Two comeback home wins against the Western Michigan Broncos and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix on Sunday gave the Bulldogs a boost after disappointing 4-3 losses to Dartmouth and Harvard last week.

Those losses had dropped Drake to no. 39 in the nation, but this weekend’s victories should mean that the Bulldogs’ ranking will – at the very least – hold steady in the upper 30s.

Clutch wins from freshman Vinny Gillespie and senior Ben Lott finished the Bulldogs’ comefrom-behind victory over the Western Michigan Broncos on Sunday morning.

“We had every right to lost that match, but our guys dug in mentally and had two great comeback wins,” head coach Davidson Kozlowski said.

With the team down 2-3, Gillespie and Lott found themselves locked in must win, third set playoffs that would decide the match.

Gillespie had the easier task in his tiebreaker, winning by a narrow 7-5 margin.

“In the match I knew we needed this win,” Gillespie said.

“I just wanted to fight more and get the win for this team.”

The win was especially motivating for the young Gillespie

who lost two decisive matches the week before at Dartmouth and Harvard. And although his match was close, it was not as close as Lott’s would prove to be.

“For him to battle back and get that one with a great mental effort, hopefully that’ll give him the confidence mentally to stay the course,” Kozlowski said. “We were able to keep him a bit more relaxed … Going out for each point he had an idea of what he wanted to do and it was just a matter of execution, as opposed to walking up to the line and not really having a plan and just letting the match come to him.”

Lott, who had already won a tiebreaker in the first set of the match, was caught in an extended playoff on court one as a result of the ‘win by two’ rule. In a match that featured 36 games and two tiebreakers, Lott was able to take the decisive two points and sealed the match: 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (108). “(I just have) to treat every point the same, try and get up even if you feel like you’re going to collapse and your legs are buckling a bit,” Lott said. “You (have) to try and find a way and get back up for the next point and keep doing that time and time again.”

The Bulldogs took to the courts again in the afternoon to take on Green Bay. It was the second consecutive match in which the Bulldogs lost the doubles point. The losses were surprising, considering the praise that Kozlowski had for the team’s

two doubles wins last week.

“Our doubles play this past weekend was still strong, we just came up a point or two short and were unable to capture the doubles point,” Kozlowski said.

“On paper, it’s a bit surprising that we didn’t get (the doubles point) … We still feel really good about our doubles pairings.”

The singles went much more smoothly, the Bulldogs sweeping

the first four matches – three of them in straight sets – to secure the 4-1 victory in part two of the doubleheader.

Drake’s points were provided on courts 3-6 from Gillespie, Calum MacGeoch, Ben Stride and Tom Hands.

Drake only has one competition next week, a road match against a top-25 University of Minnesota – Twin Cities squad.

BEN LOTT readies himself on his end of the Roger Knapp Tennis Center no. 1 court. He is 3-3 so far in 2016. PHOTO BY ASHLEY KIRKLAND | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Only one match lost in two victories, coach Hollimon optimistic Adam Rogan Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu @Adam_Rogan

This weekend, the Drake Women’s Tennis team played as well as it has all season. The Bulldogs swept the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix on Saturday morning and controlled Creighton four hours later, only giving up one point in the match.

“We had a tough loss last weekend against Iowa State and I think we all came out with positive attitudes and were ready to play hard this weekend,” sophomore Summer Brills said.

The Bulldogs had no trouble with the Phoenix. In the doubles competition, the three Bulldog duos only lost two games on the way to taking the first point of the day. The singles matches followed the same trend.

Although only senior Mariel Ante and sophomores Tess

Herder and Mela Jaglarz were the only ones to finish their matches – all three in straight sets, all three only losing one game each – all six Bulldogs held commanding leads on their courts when the match ended 4-0 in Drake’s favor.

Creighton would prove to be more of a challenge for Drake, but not by much.

After taking the doubles point, the Bulldogs were nearly able to sweep the singles matches for the second time that day. Brills, in her first career appearance on the no. 1 court, was the only Drake player to lose her match (6-2, 6-3).

“The girl just outplayed me today,” Brills said. “It’s tough, even just going from two to one ... You’re playing the best person of each team, so it was a tough match day, but (I’m) only moving forward from here.”

Brills’ tendency to go for the big hit to put away points sometimes got her into trouble, getting lured into the net and

then beat by unflashy returns by her opponent.

Ante was ahead in the second set of her match when her opponent, junior Katherine Nelson, started showing signs of a comeback by tying the set at four games each. Ante would stave off Nelson’s attack in the final two games by forcing her into committing costly mistakes and secured Drake’s first singles match win.

Herder followed up with her second singles win of the day to give Drake a 3-1 lead, and senior Maddie Johnson sealed the deal with a 6-4, 6-2 victory on the third court.

“We played with no mercy,” Herder said. “We all came out really strong and confident and it was a step up from last weekend’s loss.”

Jaglarz and freshman Joely Lomas were each near the conclusions of their matches and were allowed to finish. After winning the first set 7-5, Jaglarz

had a much easier job in the second set and coasted to a 6-2 victory as she focused simply on not committing errors, leaving that to her opponent. She has not won four of her last five matches, all of them on the sixth court.

After escaping with a 7-5 victory on court five, Lomas started to show signs of frustration as she was unable to put her opponent away in the second set. She began tracking up to the net more, looking for quick and easy points, which led to Lomas committing some nearcostly mistakes.

“Tennis is a mind game more than anything else,” interim head coach John Hollimon said.

“You’ve got to remember to play it one at a time and have a short memory about the points you lose, but remember the way that you won the points. As a coach, (I need to) get them focused on playing the next point and (have them) keep doing what they’ve done that’s worked so far.”

After being pushed to a tiebreaker in the second set, Lomas persevered down the wire and came from behind in the playoff to win 7-5, 7-6 (9-7).

When all was said and done, the Bulldogs won 6-1 and improved to 4-2 on the spring season. “(The team) played really well,” Hollimon said. “They went out there and had some close first sets and close second sets, and fought hard through both of them and definitely played like champions.”

Drake will not be playing at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center for the rest of February. The team starts a three-week long road trip on Saturday against the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Wyoming.

The following day the Bulldogs will travel to Colorado to take on the University of Denver.

12 | sports

Feb. 10, 2016

SPORTS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Bulldogs outclass Shockers, claim first after showdown with Bears Austin Cannon Beat Writer austin.cannon@drake.edu @NotAustinCannon

With a young team that scores the most points in the conference, the Drake Women’s Basketball team (16-6) is currently sitting alone at the top spot in The Valley after cruising past the Wichita State Shockers (5-17) on Friday and knocking down Missouri State Bears (15-8) two days later.

The matchup at the Knapp Center on Friday night involved two teams on opposite ends of the Missouri Valley Conference spectrum.

A year removed from an MVC title, the Shockers are undergoing a massive rebuild after graduation and transfers decimated their roster. On Friday the talent discrepancy was on full display. The Bulldogs solved WSU’s defense easily, took advantage of Shocker turnovers and hit the open shot on their way to a leisurely 81-59 victory.

“I think we got better tonight,” Drake Head Coach Jennie Baranczyk said.

This Wichita State bears little resemblance to last season’s 29-5 squad. Seven players departed because of graduation or transfers, including MVC Player of the Year Alex Harden, who was drafted by the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Only four players remain from last year’s roster.

The Shockers’ three-quartercourt press failed to challenge the Bulldogs, who broke it so easily and often that WSU abandoned it in the second half. With under a minute remaining in the first quarter, Drake center Emma Donahue took a pass from Caitlin Ingle at half court after Ingle drew two defenders. Donahue then lofted a pass to Lizzy Wendell under the basket for an easy layup. It came in the middle of Drake’s quarter-closing 12-4 run that culminated with a Wendell layup at the buzzer.

Now in her third season of playing Wichita State, Ingle was ready to dismantle the Shocker press.

“We went into attack mode and our tempo was really good from the start,” Ingle said.

WSU had to endure scoring droughts throughout, but none was more defining than a nearly six-minute stretch in the second quarter in which Drake scored 16 points to take a 47-21 lead. Four of those points came from Nicole Miller. She grabbed two steals

during the run, one resulting in a layup and the other in two free throws. The freshman guard from Walker, Iowa, finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three steals.

“I’m really comfortable,” Miller said. “Our teammates and coaches do a really good job of just stressing confidence.”

The Bulldogs collected 12 steals when WSU got sloppy, and Drake scored 19 points off 18 Shocker turnovers. Led by Ingle with nine assists, the Bulldogs were also able to control the transition game with 20 fastbreak points.

Partly because they were able to break WSU’s press, Drake rarely attempted contested shots.

The Bulldogs had open shots both in the paint and on the wing, and they made most of them, shooting almost 57 percent on the evening.

Sara Rhine led all Drake scorers with 16 points, which helped her earn her third MVC Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week honor.

Wendell had 15 while Sammie Bachrodt scored 10.

But it wasn’t all perfect for the Bulldogs, who at one point led by 34. Free throws cost Drake; the Bulldogs made only 14 of 26 attempts. The Shockers also came alive in the fourth quarter and outscored Drake, 20-12.

“We just have to work on playing four quarters,” Ingle said. “I think that’s been our biggest lesson over the last couple games.”

Friday provided a tune-up for Drake before it played for first place on Sunday against the Missouri State Lady Bears.

The Drake women wasn’t Sunday’s ‘big game’ with the Super Bowl that night, but it was reasonable to expect a competitive contest between the two teams tied for first in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Instead, the Knapp Center crowd watched the Bulldogs take over in the second quarter on their way to a 95-72 victory and the lone spot on top of the MVC standings.

“You can take the score out of it, and I still think we’re playing really well,” Baranczyk said.

Drake led by five after the first quarter, but the Lady Bears got to within 27-24 after a layup from Tyonna Snow with 6:43 remaining in the first half.

However, that would be their only field goal for the next six minutes.

The Lady Bears’ shots wouldn’t fall, and Drake took advantage. The Bulldogs scored

13 unanswered points, nine on 3-pointers, to take a 40-24 lead with 3:43 left in the half.

Liz Fruendt made a pair of free throws for the Lady Bears, but Drake answered right back with a Paige Greiner 3-pointer and Rhine’s and-one layup. Her free throw gave Drake a 46-26 lead.

“You can take the score out of it, and I still think we’re playing really well.”

Jennie Baranczyk Head Coach

The Bulldogs went into the locker room up 51-33 after shooting 68 percent from the floor. The Bulldogs shot even better from behind the arc at 70 percent (7 of 10). With that lightsout shooting, Drake’s 11 first-half turnovers had much less of an effect.

Another driving force in the big second quarter was Ingle.

The junior, who finished with a double-double on 16 points and 10 assists, sparked Drake’s run after Snow’s layup.

She first dumped the ball the Greiner, whose rafter-scraping 3-pointer dropped in with 6:43 left in the half. On the next possession, Ingle got to the rim through traffic and finished the layup to give Drake a 32-24 lead.

That series encapsulated Ingle’s afternoon. The point guard from Runnels, Iowa, drove and dished all game, finding her open teammates on the block,

behind the arc or in transition, where she hit Wendell for her final assist in the fourth quarter.

In this weekend’s two games, Ingle’s recorded an assist-toturnover ratio of 5-1 (20 assists to four turnovers).

“I think anyone in the country would take that ratio,” Baranczyk said.

On Sunday, she spent much of her time in the paint, exploiting the middle of the MSU’s defense.

“They played that zone, and the middle was pretty open, so just attacking the middle was a big thing,” Ingle said.

Missouri State couldn’t counter the Ingle-led Drake offense. After beating Northern Iowa in overtime on Friday, the Lady Bears had a difficult time getting shots to fall. MSU shot only 36 percent from the field and 20 percent from three-point land.

“They’re a good team,” Baranczyk said. “Were they on their ‘A game’ today? I don’t know, probably not. I’ve seen them play really well, too. I think we had ‘A’ moments; I don’t think we had four quarters of a consistent ‘A game’ either, but I like where we’re heading.”

Part of that inconsistency was rebounding. MSU didn’t shoot well, but the Lady Bears were able to take more shots after pulling down offensive rebounds. In all, MSU collected 19 rebounds that turned into 19 second-chance points.

MSU held a small advantage in that regard, but never closed the gap. The closest they came in the second half was after a Lee Ann Polowy 3–pointer brought the Lady Bears within 80-66.

“We knew they would make runs, and we were going to just continue to attack no matter what the score was,” said Wendell, who finished with a game-high 23 points.

It was a banner weekend for Drake, who swept the season series with both Wichita State and MSU for the first time since 2009. The Bulldogs also snapped MSU’s streak at 10 straight road victories in MVC play.

To stay in first, the Bulldogs will have to keep playing well on the road, where they are undefeated in conference play.

The back half of the schedule is road-heavy with five games away from the Knapp Center, starting with games at Illinois State and Indiana State next weekend.

But after beating the co-firstplace team in The Valley by 23, Drake looks well-prepared for the road ahead.

“This is where I expect us to be,” Ingle said.

How the rest of the MVC is doing: 1. Drake

9-2

2. Missouri St.

8-3

3. Northern Iowa

8-3

4. Loyola

8-3

5. Southern Ill.

7-4

6. Indiana St.

5-5

7. Illinois St.

4-6

8. Bradley

2-9

9. Wichita St.

2-9

10. Evansville

1-10

CAITLIN INGLE defends Taquandra Mike, Wichita State’s junior guard. Mike has been the Shockers’ second-best scorer in 2015-16, but was held to two points against the Bulldogs this week. PHOTO BY PRANEETH RAJSINGH | PHOTO EDITOR

MEN’S BASKETBALL

UNI outperforms Drake on both ends of the Knapp Center court Adam Rogan Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu @Adam_Rogan

The Drake Men’s Basketball team has a considerably better record at home (4-7) than away (2-11) this season, and the team looked to use a packed Knapp Center to their advantage with 4,724 fans in attendance.

The Bulldogs won their last game at home, an 80-70 triumph over Bradley, and hoped that the good vibes from that game would translate into Saturday’s matchup with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers, a much tougher opponent.

Unfortunately for Drake, the UNI offense were picked apart the Bulldogs on the way to a 8266 loss.

Drake came out of the gate on the attack, displaying an offense that looked to control the pace of play in the early going.

Drake’s first two possessions ended with points, but the next two ended in turnovers – a travelling violation called on Kale Abrahamson and an offensive foul committed by Olejniczak.

That’s been the story of the Bulldogs’ offense this season.

Drake’s offense is ranked sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference,

but also has the second-worst turnover margin, ahead of only Bradley.

A layup from Dominik Olejniczak made it a one possession game with 7:04 remaining in the half. But then the Drake defense allowed a demoralizing 16-5 run in the closing minutes.

Coming back out of the locker room for the second period of play, the Bulldogs seemed committed to using their shooting to get back into the game. Four of their first six shots were 3-pointers.

Reigning MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week Reed Timmer sunk both of his attempts to close the gap back to single-digits. After being held to just two points in the first half, he would finish with a team-high 18.

Still, the Bulldogs never drew back within eight as their shooting left more to be desired throughout the second half. UNI didn’t have that problem and extended its lead to as much as 23, never giving Drake a chance to get back into the game.

Both teams had the same success from range (5-11) in the first half, but the Bulldogs couldn’t seem to score inside the arc. The Panthers had 18 points in the paint in the first half and would finish with 28. Drake only scored 18 in the paint on the day,

10 of which came from Olejniczak.

The Bulldogs lost the physical battle inside, only sending the Panthers to the line once.

“We need to do a better job pressuring the basketball,” Head Coach Ray Giacoletti said.

The stats that showed the disparity between the two squads was field goal percentage. UNI rarely missed as they connected on 34 of their 55 shots (61.8 percent) while Drake was only 23-for-48 (47.9 percent).

“Teams can’t come into your building and shoot 62 percent.

That’s not a recipe for winning,” Giacoletti said. “They’re a tough team to defend.”

Much of the Panthers’ superior ball movement was motivated by their success in converting off of turnovers and their own protection of the basketball. UNI only committed seven turnovers that translated into just six points on the other end for Drake, while the Bulldogs’ 15 turnovers turned into 26 points for the Panthers.

“They do a good job of running their stuff,” Timmer said. “They‘ve got a lot of stuff coming at you and it’s difficult to remember everything from scout week.”

Senior Panther point guard Wes Washpun seemed unstoppable no matter how Drake tried to defend him, scoring 15

points on seven attempts and never missing. Paul Jesperson led the Panthers with 21 points. “(Our play) looks a lot more fluid and it feels a lot more fluid; before it felt like the ball was sticking,” Jesperson said of his team’s four-game winning streak.

Arogundade led the Drake offense in the first half with nine points, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, but struggled in the second as he missed his first three shot attempts in the period. He would finish with 10 points, zero turnovers and tied Olejniczak with seven rebounds, the game-high. “(Ore) has made great strides for us,” Giacoletti said. “We’ve been asking him to guard the other team’s best player. … He’s a two way player.”

Olejniczak scored 13 (5-5 shooting, 3-3 free throws) and pulled down seven boards, but had trouble holding onto the ball.

He was responsible for four of Drake’s 15 turnovers, the most he’s committed in a single game this season.

Giacoletti discussed Olejniczak’s bright future, while expressing concerns that Olejniczak doesn’t always have the physical stamina for a full 40 minutes of collegiate basketball.

“He’s played well the last three weeks,” Giacoletti said. “He just

needs (more playing) time.”

Giacoletti had looked to change things up with a new starting lineup by giving Arogundade his seventh start of 2015-16 and Olejniczak his first.

Scoring was lacking from Abrahamson, who contributed eight points and shot only 30 percent from the field, 25 percent from range. He had averaged 12.3 points per game with a .372 3-point shooting percentage entering the game.

The Bulldogs returned to the Knapp Center court last night against the first place Wichita State Shockers. For a recap of that game, go to timesdelphic.com.

How the rest of the MVC is doing: 1. Wichita St. (21)

11-1

2. Evansville

8-4

3. Illinois St.

8-4

4. Southern Ill.

7-5

5. Indiana St.

7-5

6. Northern Iowa

6-6

7. Missouri St.

6-6

8. Loyola

4-8

9. Bradley

2-10

10. Drake

1-11